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Dumbledore the rooster fears being without best friend Gandalf: Pet Psyche

Brenda Bronfman says Dumbledore and Gandalf are also known as the "Wizards of Wishing Well" at the sanctuary.

Brenda Bronfman says Dumbledore the rooster was brought to Wishing Well Sanctuary with his best friend, Gandalf, and is afraid of being without him. (for the Toronto Star / Melissa Renwick)

By Jane WelowszkySpecial to the Star

Sat., Jan. 28, 2017

Most adoring pet owners would do anything for their cherished companions, but could they speak for their furry or feathered or finned friends and tell us what they are thinking? To find out, we’re putting pet owners to the test with the personality questionnaire made famous by French novelist Marcel Proust.

Meet Brenda Bronfman and Dumbledore.

As one of the newest residents of Wishing Well Sanctuary, Dumbledore could not be happier celebrating his first Chinese New Year and ushering in a yearlong salute to his own kind. The 5-month-old Easter egger already takes his Year of the Rooster responsibilities seriously — from being the first to greet visitors arriving at the sanctuary, to supervising Bronfman and crew during meal prep for the more than 70 animals who call the 20-hectare farm home.

Originally thought to be an egg-laying hen named Peaches, Dumbledore arrived at the sanctuary along with his bestie, a rooster named Gandalf, shortly after it was discovered that she was a he. The pair have been inseparable ever since and are now affectionately referred to as the “Wizards of Wishing Well,” Bronfman says.

One barnyard myth Dumbledore is happy to dispel for anyone within hearing range is his propensity to crow regardless of the time of day. “It’s a misnomer — a total fallacy that they crow only in the morning,” Bronfman says, assuring us that the charming cock-a-doodle-doo-ing for which roosters are famous “goes on all day long.”

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Mealworms (alive or dried) top Dumbledore’s list of favourite eats, followed closely by corn on the cob and watermelon. Bronfman also plans on whipping up some pasta and blueberries for her dynamic duo — al dente rotini apparently being a favourite among roosters for its exceptional “fling-ability.”

What is Dumbledore’s current state of mind?

He is joyful and very Zen, as he is able to stay in the moment.

Where and when was Dumbledore happiest?

He is happiest every morning pecking at the pigs’ leftover breakfast.

What does Dumbledore consider the most overrated virtue?

Patience because he’s always waiting to get out of his enclosure to be with his people and other animals.

What does Dumbledore consider his greatest achievement?

His powerful crow. He started with a very anemic, little, pathetic-sounding crow and has developed a mature and powerful voice.

What is Dumbledore’s idea of perfect happiness?

Being around all his animal friends with a bird’s-eye view perched on the fence.

What is Dumbledore’s most marked characteristic?

His endearing nature.

What is Dumbledore’s greatest fear?

He fears being without his friend, Gandalf (who is 35 days older).

Which talent would Dumbledore most like to have?

The ability to be the fastest rooster to get to the food bowls first.

What is it that Dumbledore most dislikes?

Canadian winters that keep him inside.

Who is Dumbledore’s hero of fiction?

Foghorn Leghorn because he is a great dad, strong-willed and fun to be with.

Which historical figure does Dumbledore most identify with?

Abe Lincoln, who fought for the freedom of others, as Dumbledore imagines himself doing if he could.

Which living person does Dumbledore most admire?

He admires Karen Davis, president of United Poultry Concerns — she is one of the world’s leading authorities on the welfare of chickens, turkeys, roosters etc.

If you think you know what your animal companion is thinking, email petpsyche@gmail.com and tell us why they should be profiled.

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